Friday, October 3rd at HistoryMiami’s theater, a full house of 90 guests gathered for a presentation by Matthew Urbanski of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA).

Matthew focused his talk on landscape design commissions for trails and parks that related to The Underline project in Miami: to transform ten miles of underutilized land below Metrorail from Dadeland South station to the Miami River into a world-class linear park and urban trail.

MVVA sees “landscape as a a placemaker” or as Urbanksi says, “we like to make a “there” there.” The “there” he refers to is usually an underutilized tract of land, that can be repurposed into a green space for people to congregate, recreate, and simply connect.

Green Spaces are magnets for redevelopment:
First up was a discussion of  Hudson River Park, currently under construction. The park is adjacent to the large residential development, Hudson Yards in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood. Situated just north of the wildly-successful High Line, and like the High Line, Hudson River Park has created new development opportunities for properties that abut the park space.

Design for the place:
When planning Hudson River Park, the MVVA team considered the usage and “language of the civic landscape.” For urban parks they use  durable materials intended for high usage.  They also consider the local plant vernacular. Urbanski says that they design playgrounds for all ages, “so everyone plays” and they make sure there is access to great food.  After all, who doesn’t like to eat after exercising?

Public engagement is critical:
MVVA’s Brooklyn Bridge Park, a waterfront park that repurposed existing piers and docks into a public space, focused on the significance of public engagement and feedback. Whether in town hall meetings or on site, the design team created large models, in addition to paper renderings, so neighbors could better understand the design specifics and scope. Public comments were taken seriously. Because of resident’s suggestions, the park has basketball courts (that are booked until 2 AM) and even beach volleyball courts.

Delivering what the community wants:
Chicago’s 606 is a 3-mile above-ground trail and park constructed from a derelict train track. Formerly The Bloomingdale Trail, the 606 was a transit project that had to address the many demands of the neighborhood. After an extensive public process, the MVVA team contemplated the regional appropriateness of the proposed park. And, since the trail sliced through many neighborhoods, each section is neighborhood appropriate. Matthew emphasized that The Trust For Public Land added to the public funding so the final design is iconic rather than commonplace.

Master Plan goals:
Matthew emphasized that The Underline is ready for the master planning process. The master plan will:
1. Catalyze urban rejuvenation;
2. Enhance functionality and help connect to adjacent neighborhoods;
3. Select program that compliments existing uses;
4. Provide missing experience that celebrates local landscape;
5. Imagine project in phases.